BLOEMFONTEIN – Young farmers attending the two-day Agri-Tech Expo in Bloemfontein have identified a lack of funding and limited access to land as the primary hindrances to entering the agricultural sector. The event, held under the theme “Empowering Youth for Inclusive Economic Growth through Agriculture and Innovation,” aims to recognize youth in the agricultural sector while commemorating the 1976 Youth Uprising.
According to the attendees, financial constraints remain the most significant obstacle to establishing a farming enterprise. A spokesperson for the young farmers stated that while the sector is inherently challenging, securing financing has proven exceptionally difficult for new entrants.
The spokesperson, a young farmer living with a physical disability, highlighted that beyond financial struggles, they also face discrimination and exploitation. They noted that individuals sometimes attempt to take advantage of their physical limitations, attempting to bulldoze or take property by force, though these attempts have been successfully resisted.
The Agri-Tech Expo brings together farmers, entrepreneurs, industry specialists, and students to showcase the future of agriculture through technological assistance. In addition to empowering the youth, the event places a strong focus on processing, e-commerce, and market access for young agricultural entrepreneurs.
To address the barriers of land and finance, the provincial and national departments of agriculture have implemented targeted interventions. A spokesperson for the departments highlighted the Comprehensive Agriculture Development Support Programme (CASP). This initiative features various pillars, notably focusing on on-farm and off-farm infrastructure, providing a vital opportunity for young people to access support.
Regarding land access, the spokesperson explained that young farmers face hurdles when dealing with stakeholders such as the Free State’s Department of Rural Development and Land Reform. Aspiring farmers are sometimes required to present assets or liabilities as proof of their farming capability to successfully access land, presenting an additional barrier to entry for the youth.